The 51-year-old Bowles replaces Rex Ryan, who was fired, along with general manager John Idzik, on Dec. 29 after six seasons. Bowles was a highly sought candidate after leading Arizona’s defense the last two seasons.

The difference between this regime change and the countless that have come before it is this time no one can say the Jets weren’t diligent or that they didn’t think through the hiring of new general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles.